Witnessing a loved one suffer from an alcohol use disorder is painful and difficult. Trying to figure out how to help can lead to feelings of frustration, confusion, anger, fear, guilt, and worry, all of which take a toll on your well-being. Alcohol use disorders affect millions of people throughout the world. In the United…
Prescription medications are used daily by millions of Americans to treat conditions that range from anxiety to pain management. There are numerous classifications of prescription medications, many of which have a high risk for abuse and addiction. Opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants are the most commonly abused. Prescription drug addiction has been on…
Alcohol and drug abuse and addiction cause significant damage not only in the life of the addicted person but in the lives of their family members. Substance use disorders know no boundaries and affect people across all demographics. Luckily, the many stigmas surrounding substance abuse and addiction have lessened in recent times, as the medical…
Marijuana use has long been hotly debated. Its proponents have touted it as a harmless, natural, and even beneficial drug, but for every person who supports it, another opposes it. Historically classified as a Class I drug, the general perception of marijuana use has changed in recent years. It has been legalized for medical or…
Independence Day, commonly referred to as the Fourth of July, is the most popularly celebrated holiday in the United States. Declared a federal holiday in 1941, it’s a time of the year that people across the nation come together to celebrate with fireworks, parades, barbecues, and a lot of alcohol. Americans spend more than $1.5…
Substance use disorders impact tens of millions of Americans from all walks of life. The current opioid epidemic started in the early 1990s when the pharmaceutical industry began a massive marketing campaign promoting prescription opioids like Oxycontin as being minimally addictive. In addition to opioids prescribed for pain, there has been a significant increase in…
The impacts of drug and alcohol addiction are far-reaching, affecting not only the person suffering from addiction but their friends, family, and even society as a whole. People suffering from addiction are more likely to encounter legal problems than the general public because they are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors. Finding yourself involved…
Summertime: the days are long, skies are blue, and fun is in the air. Summer is a time of socialization full of parties, barbecues, concerts, vacations, and hanging out at the lake, pool, or ocean. For most people, alcohol is a central part of summertime activities. For those in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse,…
Mental illness encompasses a broad range of health conditions that affect a person’s emotions, mood, thinking, and behavior to the degree that it negatively impacts their daily functioning. It can be acute, coming on quickly and lasting for a short time, or chronic, where symptoms are long-lasting and persistent. There is clear evidence to support…
Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. This effort aims to educate the public about the wide-reaching impacts of mental illness and reduce its stigma. Throughout the month, organizations work together to advocate for policies that support people suffering from mental illness and their families. This initiative…